Mazda – Page 18 – Automobiles Review

Mazda Special Edition Black Tuned Roadster

Mazda has introduced a new special edition vehicle called Black Tuned Roadster. It is based on Mx-5 with JDM RS RHT and VS RHT trim levels.

The Special Edition Black Tuned Roadster comes with a a Brilliant Black roof and door mirrors, and Gun Metallic 17” alloy wheels.

The interior boasts seats and steering wheel covered in black leather with sand-colored stitching. There is also Bose sound system – AUDIOPILOT^TM2 including 7 speakers, but no head unit.

Three external body colors are available, including two exclusive colors – Spirited Green Metallic and Velocity Red Mica – and the popular Crystal White Pearl Mica.

Mazda Special Edition Black Tuned Roadster is powered by a 2.0 liter DOHC petrol engine mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

The price is not announced, yet.

Check out the specifications, below!

Mazda Special Edition Black Tuned Roadster

Special equipment:

* Power Retractable Hard Top (Brilliant Black)
* 17-inch alloy wheels (Gun Metallic)
* Front grille garnish (Brilliant Black)
* Door mirrors (Brilliant Black)
* Rear roll bar garnish (Brilliant Black)
* Black leather seats (with sand-colored stitching)
* Black door trim (with sand-colored stitching)
* Decoration panel (piano black)
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel (with sand-colored stitching and piano black switch bezels)
* Leather-wrapped parking brake lever (with sand-colored stitching)
* Front fog lights (clear) and fog light bezels (black)
* Outer door handles (body-colored)
* Bose® sound system (AUDIOPILOT^TM2) and seven speakers (no head unit)
* Leather-wrapped shift knob (with chrome ring) *1
* Soft pads on the side door trim arm rests (synthetic leather) *2
* Soft pad on the center console lid (synthetic leather) *2
* Seat heaters (with five temperature settings) *2
* Front suspension tower bar (built into the cowl) *3

Factory-installed option:

Six-disc CD changer with AM/FM radio/MP3/WMA*4 player and AUX jack

Exterior body colors:

There is a choice of three exterior body colors: Spirited Green Metallic (exclusive), Velocity Red Mica (exclusive) and Crystal Pearl White Mica (special body color).

Source: Mazda

October 5, 2011

2012 Mazda CX-5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show

MMC (Mazda Motor Corporation) has announced the new 2012 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, which will be exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday, 13 September.

The vehicle will adopt SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the new design theme – KODO – Soul of Motion.

The compact crossover SUV will compete against the proven BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5. 2012 CX-5 will come with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine. Both power units will be available in Standard Power and High Power versions.

Mazda’s engineers focused on achieving exceptional environmental performance for a compact SUV and targeted CO₂ emissions of less than 120g/km for the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engined model.

Joining the CX-5 on Mazda’s stand at the Frankfurt Show will be the upgraded Mazda3. This hugely popular Mazda now delivers lower CO₂ emissions, more sporty and stable driving dynamics, with an updated interior and exterior design, and higher quality levels.

Check out Mazda’s main exhibits at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, below!

Mazda at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

New Models	Mazda CX-5 (World premiere) Mazda3 upgraded model (European premiere)
New Technology	New Mazda SKYACTIV-G direct injection gasoline engine New Mazda SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine New Mazda SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission New Mazda SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission
Current vehicle range on sale in Europe	Mazda2, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-7

*Standard Power SKYACTIV-D 2.2 model with front-wheel-drive, SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission and i-stop fuel-saving technology

Source: Mazda

August 2, 2011

Mazda MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe

Mazda has announced MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe following the success of the 850kg MX-5 GT race car.

Available from mid-July, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black is distinguished by unique paint finishes and an enhanced specification, offering more for a lower price than the car it’s based on.

The exterior boasts a Brilliant Black powered retractable hard-top, this is in contrast with the choice of bodywork colours – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red mica. There is also a set of dark gun metal 17” alloy wheels.

The interior comes with black leather upholstery with contrasting “sand” colour stitching, Piano Black steering wheel and deco panel, and unique “Black Limited Edition” exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

The MX-5 Sport Black features as standard climate control AC, a premium Bose audio system, an integrated hands-free Bluetooth system, cruise control and front fog lights.

Only 500 unit of MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe will be produced. The price tag is £22 995 (OTR).

Mazda MX-5 Sport Black Limited Edition Roadster Coupe

Source: Mazda

July 26, 2011

Mazda MX-5 Karai Special Edition

Mazda has introduced a new limited edition MX-5. Karai will be available exclusively for the German market. Mazda MX-5 Karai will be produced in just 165 units and the price is €30 000.

MX-5 Karai boasts Metis Green Metallic paint finish. The limited edition is based on the top-of-range sport-line package. It comes with black leather and Alcantara Recaro sports seats, electric folding roof and nice 17” alloy wheels finished in matte black fitted with low profile tires.

The interior features silver trim elements and black steering wheel trim. There are also some black elements outside – front grill, fog light surrounds and mirrors housings.

The limited edition MX-5 Karai includes sport mufflers, a lowering spring kit and an iPod and USB adapter and an exclusive floor mats.

All customers will also get a special Sinn chronograph in a matching green-black color design.

Mazda MX-5 is one of the most appreciated roadsters in the world. There are over 800 000 units sold worldwide, so the new special edition will further boost the interest of the fans.

Source: Mazda

July 6, 2011

Mazda rotary engine – before and after

A sports car is a low car with a huge engine, true or false? Mazda says false. 1,3 naturally aspirated and stunning 250HP in the latest RX8. The RX7 even features a sequential twin turbocharged 1,3 with 280HP.

Especially for the newer generations, the Wankel engine is considered a Mazda engine only. A thorough look at the years after 1950s proves otherwise. The first Wankel engine was started in 1957 and produced 21 hp. It has many design differences compared to what we can see nowadays. Alfa, Ford, Nissan, Porsche and Suzuki are just some examples of companies that tried to take advantage of the new technology. So, the Wankel engine is lighter, simpler, has less moving parts and has twice the power coming from the same displacement. So there must be something wrong, look around, 4 pistons, 4 strokes, all around us. The seal system of the Wankel engines has improved significantly through the years, but it still remains the main drawback of this engine. It turns out that MPG wise it is comparable to a V8 with the same performance.

1999 Mazda RX7

After all, who is using these engines nowadays? The answer is Mazda. The sporty coupe with RX badge is powered by this technology. And it turns to be a successful one through the years. The RX7 has sold more than 800 000 units till it was replaced by the RX8 in 2003. Through its 24 years of manufacturing the RX7 always somehow managed to find its niche on the market. In the late 1970s and early 1980 it used to be a participant in some of the greatest motorsport events. The world rally championship, the Australian Touring Car Championship, 24 hours of Le Mans and so on.

What is the future? The RX9 it seems. According to some press releases it will more resemble the RX7 rather than the RX8. Mazda seem to be sticking to modern technologies and is going turbo again. Unlike the RX8 the new RX is expected to have plenty of torque not being naturally aspirated. Combined with a LSD transmission it will definitely be a great fun to drive. Less than 1250 kg, expected 290 hp and the REVs of the Wankel engine promise to make 2014 a good year. Yet another reason to hope 2012 is not fatal.

June 23, 2011

2012 Mazda BT-50 Freestyle

Mazda is preparing the all new BT-50 Freestyle pick-up, which will make its official debut at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (1st to 10th July). Mazda BT-50 will feature the revolutionary Freestyle door configuration first seen on the RX-8 and a unique combination of seating for four, an exceptionally wide pillar-less door opening, and a large carrying capacity.

On each side of the cabin, a front-hinged door and a rear access panel combine to provide a 1 408mm-wide opening that makes for easy entry to and exit from either the front or rear seats.

The rear-seat comfort is at decent level. The cushions have been lengthened by 50mm for better thigh support and more stable fitment of child seats while the seatback height has been increased by 128mm.

Furthermore, the bed hold 1453 liters, which is 266 liters more than the current model.

“Just as we were delighted to be given the privilege of hosting the global debut of the All-New BT-50 Dual Cab in Sydney last year, we are equally delighted to be hosting the global debut of the Freestyle Cab in Melbourne this year. With Australia expected to be the largest market for the All-New BT-50 it’s no coincidence that we’ve been asked to host not one but two global unveilings of this important new model. It’s only appropriate that the Australian public see it first.”, commented Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson.

The all-new 2012 Mazda BT-50 will go on sale later this year.

2012 Mazda BT-50 Freestyle

Source: Mazda

June 8, 2011

2011 Mazda MX-5 Price – £17 990

Mazda MX-5 is the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster. It celebrates production of over 900 000 units and it has been ranked the highest sports car in the 2011 J.D. Power ownership satisfaction survey, published last week.

The iconic Mazda MX-5 is priced at just £17 990 and it goes up to £23 225 for the top-of-range model. Two new special edition Kendo models are also on sale from £19 270.

The MX-5 beats the Volkswagen Scirocco, Audi TT, and Mercedes-Benz CLK and SLK.

WhatCar? magazine commented: “The MX-5 proves that sports cars don’t need to be sophisticated, luxurious or expensive to be fun-to-drive. Mazda’s MX-5 has been commended in the past and this year its margin of victory is even bigger than it was in 2010.”

“Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round,” said Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda Motors UK.

“The MX-5 soft-top continues to offer the purest, fun-to-drive thrills, while the Roadster Coupe’s folding hard top provides a more refined experience, with that same exhilarating drive. Its low running costs and legendary reliability means the MX-5 remains an extremely competitive proposition as hundreds of very satisfied owners confirm.”, he added.

“Whether potential buyers are considering purchasing any of the regular MX-5 models, or the latest ‘Kendo’ special editions, this J.D. Power survey result shows that they’d be joining a group of owners who simply love their cars,”, said Allibon.

“It is little wonder that it continues to break records as the world’s best-selling open top roadster.”, he finished.

2011 Mazda MX-5

Source: Mazda

June 7, 2011

Mazda6 2.2 5dr Business Line Diesel

Mazda is now offering a new “Business Line” model in the UK market. It is a highly specified vehicle at a competitive price.

2012 Mazda6 “Business Line” comes with a 2.2-litre diesel delivering 129PS, which emits just 138g/km of CO₂. It is priced at just £18 300. The first deliveries of the car will begin in late summer and Mazda anticipates that it will sell approximately 500 units in the remainder of 2011. Annual sales are expected to total around 1 000 units.

Business Line comes is available in several colours – Black Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Stormy Blue Mica. The additional equipment includes a Sanyo TomTom SAT NAV system with Bluetooth technology and 17” alloy wheels.

It also has Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist.

There are also front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control and dual-zone climate control air conditioning.

Mazda6 2.2 5dr Business Line Diesel

“With this well equipped, fleet focused Mazda6 model, we are anticipating significant incremental sales. This is the first time Mazda has introduced a model specifically intended to appeal to company car drivers through a combination of both features and attractive benefit-in-kind rates.”, commented Mazda Fleet and Remarketing Director Steve Jelliss.

“Drivers choosing the new Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ model will pay just £60.43 a month if a basic rate taxpayer or £120.87 a month if a higher rate taxpayer. That represents fantastic value-for-money for a car with the style, performance and features of our latest model.” Mr. Jelliss added.

“With an anticipated monthly contract hire rate lower than significant rival models, the Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ will sit in the company car band below the premium badge cars. Consequently, iven its tax rating and specification levels, we also anticipate the car will appeal to employees choosing a car within a salary sacrifice scheme.” Mr. Jelliss finished.

Source: Mazda

June 1, 2011

Best looking 6 concepts that never reached the market

As you know what you driving is a result of serious R&D, drafts and arguments. For many reasons your car was(is) available in the showroom. However there are many examples of cars that did not manage to go further than the draft or clay. Here are the best looking 6 concepts that never reached the market.

Number 6

Toyota FT-HS Concept

This beauty was introduced in 2007 in North America. It was quite up to date with the current tendencies, so speed and power were not the only thing the car was focusing on. Safety and ecology have definitely been taken into consideration. That’s why the idea of the car is to have a hybrid powertrain. Despite this the car would still remain light and a great fun to drive. Being a fast RWD car it takes Toyota back to the golden years of the AE86 Corolla and would definitely be a total hit both for teenagers and grown-up boys that once dreamed of having AE86 Corolla.

Number 5

Nissan Intima

Nissan’s luxurious sedan concept was seen for the first time in 2007. Two things came into sight right away. First of all the rear doors were to be opened towards the back of the car instead of the conventional opening – parallel to the front door. Also the windshield would go all the way to the back of the roof creating incredible atmosphere for the passengers. Surprisingly for Nissan, the Intima is constructed to have an efficient, environmental friendly 6 cylinder diesel engine. Last but not least , the Intima is equipped with a 4-zone air conditioning system that would make sure all of the passengers feel comfortable.

Number 4

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

In the beginning of 2007 Honda showed this coupe in Detroit and this was for a reason – Accord is the best-selling Honda in USA. The accent when presenting the car was the fuel economy and safety features. In terms of design, the Accord coupe looks aggressive due to the long hood and the headlamps that go deep behind to reach almost the middle of the fenders. The four exhaust pipes in the back promise to also touch the heart of the driver giving out the 6 cylinder engine at the touch of the throttle.

Number 3

BMW Concept CS

This Gran Turismo masterpiece was first to be seen in Shanghai and it did look stunning. A 4-door coupe with sleek curves and very low profile. Definitely something Mercedes need to be careful with when developing the CSL. Looking at the car you almost feel Bangle’s shade in it. The return to the “shark shape” is obvious, magical and… I love it! Is this going to be the positioned above the 7^th series and benefit from the 6.0 V12.

Number 2

Mazda Nagare

This car definitely deserves its place here. It is undoubtedly something unique that cannot be seen every day. The name of the car means “Flow” and indeed even when standing still it looks like it’s moving. The “doors” are a flashback to the Mercedes Gull-wing – they open not sideways but from the roof and give an overview to the whole interior. The Recaro seats and the plane-like steering wheel finish the sporty feeling of the car. Despite the fact no details have been disclosed about engine or specifications, the Nagare is expected to use a rotary engine well known for it’s high revs and great response.

Number 1

Audi RSQ concept

This car has been designed and created especially for the movie “I robot”, where Will Smith would use it to fight some “evil machines”. Indeed, it shares a lot with the TT, but it is so much different at the same time. The door are hinging back to open up like the wings of a butterfly. It is also mid-engined which is great prerequisite for it to be a pleasure to drive. Now the sweetest part – as this was Audi’s vision for the future, it definitely needed something indeed futuristic, and there it was, the wheels are… spheres and as you can figure, the side panels are shaped accordingly to make the car more and more resemble a sculpture. The interior of the car is really close to a plane cockpit. The steering wheel, the instrument cluster, all this aluminium and a windshield to go over the driver’s head create intoxicating atmosphere once you sit in the bucket seat. How likely is this car to show on the streets? Not really huge it seems. However a lot of it could be used for the Audi TT.

May 27, 2011

SkyActiv-G 1.3 by Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation has continued to develop superbly efficient SkyActiv engines. The new one is a small 1.3 liter direct injected petrol, which will be unveiled at the Automotive Engineering Exposition that will be held from May 18 through 20, 2011, at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan.

The new SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1, direct-injection, piston cavities and multi-hole injectors. With these technologies, the engine achieves fuel economy of 3.3 litres per 100 km.

SKYACTIV-G 1.3 deliver 84PS (62kW) at 5 400RPM, 112Nm at 4000RPM and will power the facelifted Mazda Demio. The small city car comes with i-stop and CVT gearbox.

Main features of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 engine

Highly efficient automobile gasoline engine and the world’s first to achieve a compression ratio of 14.0:1
Multi-hole injectors enable precise fuel injection control for ideal combustion
Mazda’s first dual sequential valve timing system (dual S-VT with electronically-operated intake) in combination with the high compression ratio achieves an unconventional Miller cycle (extremely delayed closure of intake valves) that improves efficiency
Compact combustion chambers have a longer stroke for better efficiency
Piston cavities are specially designed to support ideal combustion
30 percent less mechanical friction, due to a narrower crankshaft, new roller followers and low-tension piston rings that also reduce oil consumption
Various countermeasures to prevent knocking, including a cooled EGR system
An updated version of Mazda’s innovative idling stop system, i-stop, improves fuel economy by eight percent. It operates with a higher frequency, requires less fuel to restart, and achieves a smoother restart
A lightweight and highly rigid aluminum alloy engine block

Major specifications of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3

Inline four-cylinder 1.3-liter direct-injection engine (with i-stop)
Engine displacement: 1.298?
Bore and stroke: 71.0mm x 82.0mm
Compression ratio: 14.0:1
Maximum output (net): 62kW@5,400rpm (84ps@5,400rpm)
Maximum torque (net): 112Nm@4,000rpm

Source: Mazda

May 20, 2011

2012 Mazda3

The new 2012 Mazda3 made its US debut today at the New York International Auto Show (NAIAS). The facelift version of the popular model features more refined exterior and interior, innovative SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies and some other interesting goodies.

“SKYACTIV is not just an engine; it is the next generation of advanced vehicle performance and efficiency,” commented Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).

“SKYACTIV embodies Mazda’s philosophy of engineering only vehicles that are fun to drive, satisfying to own and environmentally responsible; and there is no better vehicle to start with than the Mazda3, one of the most exciting sport compact cars on the road.”, he added.

The exterior boasts a new front fascia, modified grille, new round fog lights and new models of alloy wheels. The Skyactive models will also include unique headlights, a metallic blue engine cover and the badging, of course.

The interior features a new instrument cluster, updated trim, and better seat upholstery. The Multi Information Display (MID) and liquid crystal display (LCD) also received color adjustments, so the red text and graphics of the current model are changed to white.

The engine range will include a new Skuactiv-G petrol with 157PS (116 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and returns – 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. There is also an option for SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic gearbox. Skuactiv-G will join the current MZR 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine.

Standard advanced safety features include 6 airbags – advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain. with improved double chamber side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bars, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

The options list includes a new Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, an Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps.

2012 Mazda3 will also come with retuned suspension for maximum comfort and stability.

Price list is not announced, yet!
2012 Mazda3

Source: Mazda

April 22, 2011

2012 Mazda CX-5

Mazda has officially revealed that its upcoming compact crossover SUV, the 2012 Mazda CX-5, will be completely derived from the recently premiered Mazda MINAGI concept car, which will be displayed again at the New York International Auto Show that opens on 20 April 2011. (more…)

April 18, 2011

Tag: Mazda